Andy Abramson reported on the EU´s recent "light touch" approach in regulating VoIP. It looks like the folks from Strasbourg are taking a page out of the FCC's book (i.e. the VoIP friendly strategy employed by Chairman Michael Powell). The key decision driver for the EU is to increase the broadband penetration for all its current members (which currently stands as only 6.5 percent on average for the EU 25). The idea is to offer new services such as VoIP at more attractive prices by stimulating the competitive environment. The ruling clearly states in one paragraph:
|
The Commission favours an EU-wide “light touch” approach to Internet telephony as the best way to encourage competition between internet carriers of telephone traffic and traditional telephone networks. As the market develops, the European Commission intends to ensure, jointly with the national regulators, that throughout the EU, the roll-out of new IP-based services will not be hindered by regulatory hurdles. It is in the interest of Europe’s businesses and citizens that new technologies should be able to flourish and deliver better services at lower cost. |
Wouldn't it be nice to see the CRTC follow suit and also establish an equal level playing field in Canada? Hopefully, if enough regulatory bodies worldwide endorse a similar position, this has a better chance of happening.